Why not?

Embark on a French road trip adventure from your own doorstep, and discover the regions of France that you dream of. It is so easy to hop onto a Brittany Ferry and let them take the strain, while the thoughts of vineyards and sunshine sail through your mind.

Pleasures

Route de Cidre – If you are also planning a road trip around Normandy, this is one to add to your list.

As the 40km (25-mile) scenic route winds you through some lovely rural lanes and villages, where you can buy a bottle the local tipple to try once your car is parked up at the end of the day.

Giverny – If you are a fan of Monet like me, you may already know of the French impressionist’s colourful home in Giverny.

Not only can you wander around his family home and walled garden it is also where he painted his iconic lily pond masterpieces.

Oeuf Cocotte – on this journey I discover this simplest of egg dishes. Whilst struggling to find a starter that appealed, Gary suggested I try an oeuf cocotte with bacon and red wine. It was delicious, which begs the question why hadn’t Gary suggested this before?

Étretat – The unforgiving white cliffs at Étretat, do draw a few crowds, so parking may be tricky in town.

However, you can see why artists have been flocking here over the decades, as it is a beautiful view and worth the visit.

Alençon – Perhaps not prominent on the tourist map, but that was part of its appeal.

Along with its impressive cathedral, Le Chateau des Ducs which was used by the Gestapo and a Hogwarts styled library, hidden behind the walls of a 17th-century Baroque church. To top it off it had some very reasonably priced bistros.

Our Advice

Arrive as early as you can to Monet’s home in Giverny, as it gets quite busy.

Treasures

Rouen Cathedral Light Show – This is certainly a memory that will remain with us. It may appear a simple concept.

However, the free light display of Rouen’s ancient history projected across the front of the cathedral was impressive. The show lasted around 15 minutes and charted through sight and sound the lives of William the Conqueror and Joan of Arc.

Discovering little villages – we came across Lyons-la-Forêt while we were touring, and couldn’t resist pulling up and enjoying some petit déjeuner.

History – As with any place Gary & I visit, we are always in search of the local history and this region of France has so much of it.

I found that the museum at Pegasus Bridge was indeed worth a visit, the incredibly touching military stories are not for the faint-hearted.

What I would do differently

Stay Longer – I know it’s a cliché, but we love France.

A funny moment

Seeing Gary’s face when I drag him around another cemetery.

A slight disappointment

Honfleur – The disappointment was that we had visited Honfleur 10 years previously, and I wanted to match those memories.

However, it has become a bit of a victim of its own success. Although having said that it is a lovely town & perhaps we should have visited off season.

Point of Note

Rouen’s Cathedral Light Show – Only takes place during the summer months, so check the timings here.

Inspired to visit Normandy?

As you can see this region of France offers so much diversity. Why not give it a go.

Have You

Visited Normandy? Does our reminiscing bring back any memories for you? What’s your favourite place in France?

About the Author

Janis

Janis, the co-founder of Our World for You, was born in London and raised in Kent and the Isle of Wight.
Along with Gary her partner, they have been travelling part time since 1995. In 2016, they decided that enough was enough with the 9 to 5, so armed with the knowledge and experience that they had gained on their adventures, that they wanted to inspire others to travel the world near and far.